[1] He is regarded as one of his country's best ever defenders, winning Bulgarian footballer of the year in 1967 and 1971, he also participated in three world cups for his national team in 1966, 1970 and 1974.

[2] He is Honorary President of CSKA Sofia and semi-pro side Nottingham United FC.

During his career at CSKA Sofia he discovered a lot of previously unknown or little-known talented youths and used them as a basis for a domestically and internationally successful squad.

[citation needed] On 30 July 2007, he was appointed manager of the Bulgaria national team for the second time.

[4] As of April 2007, Penev has been in charge of the Bulgaria national team for 55 matches in total (25 wins, 15 draws, 15 losses, with a goal difference of 88:60).